Haley Issues Executive Order in Hacking Incident

Cabinet Agencies told to improve computer monitoring

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By
Monique Williams

Story Created:
Nov 14, 2012 at 6:51 PM EDT

Story Updated:
Nov 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM EDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- Governor Nikki Haley announced Wednesday that she is instructing all cabinet agencies to strengthen their approach to cyber security. She has instituted a one-two cyber security punch to fight back, in the midst of a statewide hacking incident that exposed millions of South Carolinians' tax returns and personal information.

Part one includes someone being on standby 24/7 to manually monitor computer servers. Should they detect suspicious cyber activity, they can immediately do something to stop it. Part two is a $160,300 investment in a piece of equipment that will automatically shut down should it detect files being moved that shouldn't be moved and other strange functions. Haley said for too long, cabinet agencies have utilized too many different computer software programs, leaving room for error. With the addition of this new program, she believes it will ensure agencies are on one accord because they will be utilizing the same method of cyber security.

As of Wednesday morning, the Experian call center set up to assit South Carolina taxpayers had received approximately 775,500 calls and approximately 789,500 signups for Experian's ProtectMyID program. Access to unlimited fraud resolution beyond the one year enrollment period is included in the program.

Call 1-866-578-5422 to enroll in a consumer protection service service. (The call center is open 9:00am - 9:00pm EST, Monday through Friday and 11:00am - 8:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.) Taxpayers may also go online at http//:www.protectmyid.com/scdor. Enter the code SCDOR123 when prompted. You have until the end of January 2013 to sign up. The website for business owners is http://www.dandb.com/sc, or call customer service at 1-800-279-9881.